Earth moving-tunneling equipment

ABSTRACT

An earth moving apparatus used for drilling various size tunnels ; for example, sewer tunnels, mine shafts, etc. A cylindrical shaped machine with self-contained power plant, drilling devices, controls, dirt removal device and a work area. The power plant powers the drilling action of the primary drill bit and also provides the power for the forward motion of the machine. The primary drill bit rotates, therefore cutting the earth which is then carried by a conveyor belt out of the tunnel. Tracks spaced around the circumference and rotated in a forward - aft direction to propel the machine and feed the primary (front) drill bit into the earth (dirt, rock, etc.). Also the tracks operate either mechanically or hydraulically in an in-out direction to give stability and traction and steering to the entire apparatus. A variable angle secondary drilling device is provided to drill an access hole to the main tunnel; for example, a man hole tunnel to sewer, etc. One or more cylindrical skirts are attached to the aft end of the machine to act as a means of shoring the tunnel walls and to provide a work area for men to install piping, tile, etc., in the tunnel shaft. The Self-Contained Tunnel Drill can be manufactured in any diameter to accomplish the drilling of any size tunnel.

United States Patent 1 Gootee [451 Oct. 23, 1973 EARTH MOVlNG-TUNNELING EQUIPMENT [76] Inventor: Joseph W. Gootee, 19 N. Rit r A i/ I ndianapolis, Ind. 4621 9 22 Filed: Oct. 29, 1971 21 Appl.No.: 193,856

[52] US. Cl. 299/33, 175/78, 175/86, 299/56 [51] Int. Cl E2ld 23/08, EOlg 3/03 [58] Field of Search 175/86, 52, 77, 78, 175/94; 299/1, 30, 31, 33, 56

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1967 Akkerman 299/33 X 1,388,545 8/1921 Bohan 299/30 X 1,303,764 5/1919 Broadway 299/30 X 3,382,002 5/1968 Tabor 299/33 3,467,439 9/1969 Bolotin et a1. 299/56 X 3,493,165 2/1970 Schonfeld 299/31 3,506,310 4/1970 Gruere 299/56 2,945,686 7/1960 Moon 299/33 Primary Examiner-Werner l-l. Schroeder Attorney-Richard H. Childress [57] ABSTRACT An earth moving apparatus used for drilling various size tunnels for example, sewer tunnels, mine shafts, etc. A cylindrical shaped machine with self-contained power plant, drilling devices, controls, dirt removal device and a work area. The power plant powers the drilling action of the primary drill bit and also provides the power for the forward motion of the machine. The primary drill bit rotates, therefore cutting the earth which is then carried by a conveyor belt out of the tunnel.

Tracks spaced around the circumference and rotated in a forward aft direction to propel the machine and feed the primary (front) drill bit into the earth (dirt, rock, etc.). Also the tracks operate either mechanically or hydraulically in an in-out direction to give stability and traction and steering to the entire apparatus. I

A variable angle secondary drilling device is provided to drill an access hole to the main tunnel; for example, a man hole tunnel to sewer, etc.

One or more cylindrical skirts are attached to the aft end of the machine to act as a means of shoring the tunnel walls and to provide a work area for men to install piping, tile, etc., in the tunnel shaft.

The Self-Contained Tunnel Drill can be manufactured in any diameter to accomplish the drilling of any size tunnel.

5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBuma ma 3767.263 SHEET u [If 5 FIG. 7

. 1 I EARTH-I MoviNo-TuNNELiNo EQUIPMENT OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of this invention is to provide a unique machine that can accomplish the work of many pieces of equipment and eliminate unnecessary work that has to be done when using present earth moving equip ment. The machine created by this invention is designed to remove only that earth necessary to be replaced by piping, tile, etc. This invention is intended to drill tunnels, dispose of the dirt, and provide shoring, all tasks accomplished by using one machine, The Self- Contained Tunnel Drill.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The Self-Contained Tunnel Drill, also referred to as the Mole, is cylindrical in shape. The diameterof which can vary to satisfy the particular size of the tunnel to be drilled. The outer diameter is made up of track and dirt shields.

The track, operating in a forward and aft direction, are spaced around the diameter of the Mole and comprise approximately 75 percent of the outer circumference. The tracks, running approximately the full length of the outer housing, are supported by stationary members between drive sprockets. The drive sprockets are at each end of the track runs and are part of a contoured assembly. The contoured track forms the outer surface of the Mole, giving an evenly disdistributed pressure against the tunnel wall (dirt, rock, etc.). This pressure, provided either mechanically or hydraulically in an in-out direction by the tracks lifts, provides traction for forward motion, stability while drilling and steering.

Steering is accomplished by exerting a positive pressure on the aft end of the track on one side of the Mole and a negative pressure force on the opposite side of aft end track. 7 I

A universal drive mechanism from the main gear box powers the track to provide a uniform force in propelling the Mole. On the edges of the track (on the width) a shoulder is provided to accommodate the dirt shields. The dirt shields are contoured and spaced around the outer surface of the Mole between the track runs.

These metal dirt shields run approximately the full length of the outer housing. The dirt shields lie slightly inside the outer diameter created by the tracks to allow the tracks to get a bite into the tunnel wall. The shields float in an inout direction with the track, since they are riding on the shoulder of the track. These shields protect the track mechanism and inner housing from dirt, rock, etc., and act as a shoring device for the tunnel wall.

A primary drill bit is mounted onto the front end of the Mole. The maximum diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter created by the contour dirt shields noted above. The drill bit cutting edges are manufactured of materials capable of cutting rock, etc. The primary drill bit is hollow between the cutting edges to allow the cuttings to fall through to the conveyor belt that will carry them out of the tunnel. The primary drill bit is powered by the main motor. The primary drill bit may be mounted to main housing to rotate in a single position or the drill may be mounted spring loaded to feed itself into hard materials while the rest of the machine (Mole) remains stationary.

An inner cylindrical metal housing is provided to accommodate the main motor, gear box, instruments, etc. On large diameter machines (Moles) a floor is provided in the inner housing to provide a work area for the operator and workmen to work in complete safety. On smaller scale machines remote controls can be used to operate the functions of the Mole. v

A secondary drill bit is on the aft end of the Mole to drill smaller auxilary holes; for example, a man hole tunnel to a sewer tunnel. The secondary drill assembly is mounted on a geared frame to allow the drilling of holes at various angles. The secondary drill head is hollow between the cutting blades to allow dirt, etc., to fall through the hollow sleeves to the conveyor belt. The drill head is detachable from the hollow sleeves to .allow the installation of piping in sleeves, if desired.

The drill assembly consists of an externally theaded hollow sleeve with extensions-and a key way slot on each side apart). A keyed drive gear mounted on bearings, powered by an auxilary motor, turns the drill (slotted) sleeve. A clutch mechanism, attached to the housing, provides the propelling (up and down) of the sleeve. The sleeve is notched on the end to accept a mating extension sleeve. A guide bearing is mounted in the housing between the drive and the clutch mechanism to stabilize the sleeves while drilling.

A cylindrical metal skirt is attached to the aft end of the Mole to provide a shoring type housing in which men may work in complete safety with no fear of a cave-in. Piping or tile sections can be installed in this skirt or skirts and remain in place while the skirt is pulled forward by the Mole. In this process the piping or tile is actually laid before it leaves the enclosure of the device (Mole), thus eliminating dangerous cave-ins and a great deal of excess labor and cost.

The conveyor belt carries the dirt, rock, etc., drillings from both the primary and secondary drill bits. In the main area of the Mole the conveyor travels between the outer housing (track and dirt shields) and the inner (main) housing. The conveyor belt scoops pick up the dirt drillings from the primary bit and carries it beneath the main housing to the aft skirt area of the Mole. In the skirt area the conveyor belt is elevated to allow sufficient room for the installation of piping or tile sections. At the end of the skirt area an extension conveyor carries the drillings (dirt, rock, ect.) out of the tunnel shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective side view of the earth movingtunneling apparatus in its operating position.

' that may be used on the auxilary drill assembly.

FIG. 7 gives an outline of the earth moving apparatus with a cut away view showing the arrangment of the dirt conveyor that may be used.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the forward end of the dirt conveyor in operation.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the primary (front) drill bit assembly functionally attached to the main frame of the earth moving-tunneling apparatus.

FIG. 10 is an alternate functional attachment to the main frame of the earth moving-tunneling apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT Referring particularly to the drawing, wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 the earth moving apparatus shown in its operational position. The components of which, that are shown, are the primary or front drill bit assembly 9 with an arrow showing its direction of rotation while drilling. The main outer housing is designated item 14 which makes up all the outer stationary frame not otherwise identified. A possible arrangement of track assemblies 15 is shown with dirt shields 16 between the set of track. Item 57 represents the secondary drill bit assembly outlet cover. Attached to the aft end of the outer main housing 14 is the work area skirt 18. Inside the work area skirt 18 the dirt conveyor 19 is shown in elevated position not to hinder work in this area.

FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the earth moving apparatus. It shows the possible arrangement of the power plant component, instruments, controls, and gear housing 17 located on floor 21. The power plant 17 is located at forward end of said earth moving apparatus. The track assemblies 15 and dirt shield 16 are spaced around the circumference of the outer surface illustrating the possible arrangement of the track 15 are dirt shields 16. A cut away view shows the typical track assemblies mounted to its hydraulic lift 42. The dirt conveyor 19 is located beneath the floor 21. Item 22 represents the inner housing which provides a work area enclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a typical track assembly 15 at the aft end wherein the track 15 rides on support beam 32 on each side of track 15. A low friction device such as roller bearings 151 may be provided to contact surface of support beam 32. The track assembly is moved in an in-out direction by the hydraulic lift assembly 42 which is attached stationary to the inner housing 22. A slot is located in track support 31 to allow for motion of lift 42 movement. Track lift supports 31 are located on both sides of track 15 and are attached to the inner housing 22. The lift 42 is shown in activated position thus dirt shield 16 and track 15 is shown above outer main housing 14. In the inactivated position the dirt shield 16 seats itself directly on outer main housing 14.

FIG. 4 shows typical view of the track lifts 42, track arrangement and drive shafts 41. The track lifts 42 are mounted to the inner main housing 22. Track lift supports 31 are mounted stationary to inner housing 22 and are slotted to accommodate the lifting action of the track 15. The drive shafts 41 drive the track 15 in a universal fashion. The drive shafts 41 may be splined on the end not shown to allow movement of track assemblies 15. The dirt shields 16 are shown riding on the shoulder of the track assembly 15 and are held in place by the attachment of the upper portion of the track lift assemblies 43. Thus, the dirt shields 16 are stationary in place but are allowed to float with the track 15 when the lifts 42 are actuated.

FIG. 5 shows a cut away view of the auxilary drill assembly wherein the hollow drill bit head 56 is detachable from the drill sleeve 52. The drill sleeve 52 is threaded externally, and slotted to accept the drive gear 54. The drive gear 54 is stationary except for the rotating action powered by the auxiliary motor 59, that is mounted to the auxilary drill assembly housing 51. The sleeve guide 58 is attached stationary to the housing 51 and serves to stabilize the sleeve while drilling. The clutch assembly shown in FIG. 6 is attached to the housing 51 and propells the drill sleeves 52. The auxilary drill assembly frame 55 is internally geared and may be rotated by gear 53 to drill at various angles. The phantom lines of the drill head 56 and drill outlet cover 57 show the drill bit 56 in its actuated drilling position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded section cut illustrating a possible clutch mechanism for the drill sleeve 52. The internally threaded drive plate 62 is allowed to turn freely with the drill sleeve 52 until clutch plates 61 applies pressure to the drive plate 62, thus stopping the drive plates rotating action, therefore causing the rotating drill sleeve 52 to screw itself in an upward or downward direction. The clutch plates 61 may have replacable clutch pads 67 to contact drive plate 62. The drive plate 62 is held in place but allowed to rotate on the stationary plate 66 which is attached to the auxilary drill housing 51. The actuating cylinder 65 (air or hydraulic) is attached to the cam 63 which is attached to the draw bolt 64. The draw bolt 64 is allowed to slip freely in the stationary plate 66 when the cam 63 is actuated. The draw bolt 64 also serves as an anchor for the clutch plates 61. Note; this clutch assembly shown is on both sides of drill sleeve 52 (180 apart).

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the possible arrangement of the dirt conveyor assembly 19. The outline of the entire earth moving-tunneling apparatus is shown and a cut away view shows the dirt conveyor 19. At the forward end the dirt conveyor 19 is located beneath the floor 21. In the work area skirt 18 the dirt conveyor is elevated so as to not hinder work in this area.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the forward end of the dirt conveyor 19 shown in operating position. The drillings, dirt, rock, etc., fall through the open primary drill bit assembly 91, the dirt conveyor 19 in turn picks up the drillings and carries it out of the earth movingtunneling device to an extension conveyor (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 9 wherein the primary drill bit assembly 91 is shown in its functioning position. The primary drill bit assembly 91 turns in a clockwise fashion while riding on the shoulder provided by the main housing 14. Support sleeves 92 may be used to stablize the drill bit assembly 91. The support sleeves 92 are positioned stationarily to the main housing 14 by the support beams 93. The coil spring 96 is located between the front removable stop 97 and the spring bearing 94. The primary drill bit assembly 91 is powered by the drive gear 99. The drive gear 99 is powered by gear 81 in main gear box 17. The drive gear 99 is keyed to fit the slotted shaft of the drill bit assembly 91. The drive gear housing 98 holds the drive gear 99 in place. The aft removable stop prevents the primary drill bit assembly from slipping off the main housing 14 shoulder.

The phantom lines show the position of the primary drill assembly 91 when it is drilling hard materials such as rock. In this depressed position the spring 96 is under tension, thus, while the drill assembly 91 continously turns, the coil spring 96 tends to relieve the tension and feeds the drill assembly 91 into the rock, etc. When the spring has completely relieved the tension the drill assembly 91 assumes the position shown in FIG. 9. To continue the drilling process the whole earth moving-tunneling apparatus must be moved forward, by actuating the track 15. When the track 15 propels the earth moving apparatus into the rock, etc., the coil spring is placed under tension again. In this manner the drill bit assembly 91 is capable of drilling tunnels through hard materials. In soft materials (dirt, sand, etc.) the earth moving machine need not stop its forward motion, since the material is easily cut by the continuously turning primary drill bit 91.

FIG. is an alternate method of attaching the drill bit assembly 91 to the main housing 14. In this view the coil spring 96 is removed and replaced by the front removable stop 94. Thus, the drill bit assembly does not move forward independently of the main housing 14.

In conclusion, although many minor structural modifications might be suggested to the preferred embodiment herein described by way of illustrative example only, it should be understood that many changes could be effected to exemplary structures herein described without departing from the spirit of the present invention and accordingly, it should be further understood that inventor wished to enclose within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications are reasonably and properly come within the scope of the inventors contribution to the art.

I claim:

1. An earth moving and tunneling apparatus comprising in combination:

a. a central power plant for powering said apparatus,

b. a main housing of an outer cylindrical shaped surface and an inner cylindrical shaped housing, said outer surface includes i. at least one track and dirt shield spaced around the circumference thereof substantially the full length of said main housing and are contoured to form the outer shape of said apparatus, said track including a shoulder on each side thereof on which said dirt shield is positioned and said track powered by said power plant to propel said apparatus, and

ii. a primary drill bit projecting from the front thereof,

said inner housing encloses said power plant,

c. at least one cylindrical shaped skirt attached to the aft end of said main housing, and

d. a dirt conveyor within said main housing and said skirt extending substantially the length thereof.

2. An apparatus according to claim ll wherein said primary drill bit is conically shaped and includes cutting blades.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said main housing additionally includes a shoulder and support sleeves mounted'thereon and said drill bit is supported by said shoulder and said support sleeves.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 further including a secondary drill bit, located between said main housing and said skirt, which includes an externally threaded hollow sleeve slotted externally along the length thereof, a drive gear and a clutch for controlling said drill sleeve keyed to said sleeve slot.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said clutch includes an externally threaded disc around the circumference of said hollow sleeve, and a plurality of cam operated friction pads for applying pressure on either side of said disc thereby aiding said primary drill bit in its drilling action. 

1. An earth moving and tunneling apparatus comprising in combination: a. a central power plant for powering said apparatus, b. a main housing of an outer cylindrical shaped surface and an inner cylindrical shaped housing, said outer surface includes i. at least one track and dirt shield spaced around the circumference thereof substantially the full length of said main housing and are contoured to form the outer shape of said apparatus, said track including a shoulder on each side thereof on which said dirt shield is positioned and said track powered by said power plant to propel said apparatus, and ii. a primary drill bit projecting from the front thereof, said inner housing encloses said power plant, c. at least one cylindrical shaped skirt attached to the aft end of said main housing, and d. a dirt conveyor within said main housing and said skirt extending substantially the length thereof.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said primary drill bit is conically shaped and includes cutting blades.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said main housing additionally includes a shoulder and support sleeves mounted thereon and said drill bit is supported by said shoulder and said support sleeves.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3 further including a secondary drill bit, located between said main housing and said skirt, which includes an externally threaded hollow sleeve slotted externally along the length thereof, a drive gear and a clutch for controlling said drill sleeve keyed to said sleeve slot.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said clutch includes an externally threaded disc around the circumference of said hollow sleeve, and a plurality of cam operated friction pads for applying pressure on either side of said disc thereby aiding said primary drill bit in its drilling action. 